SIST-TP CEN/TR 14980:2007

Solid recovered fuels - Report on relative difference between biodegradable and biogenic fractions of SRF

This document considers the relative difference between the biodegradable fraction and the biogenic fraction of solid recovered fuels prepared from non-hazardous waste for energy recovery and whether there is a need to develop two sets of standards or only one set for the determination of these fractions in order to define the biomass content of SRFs.

Feste Sekundärbrennstoffe - Bericht über den relativen Unterschied zwischen biologisch abbaubaren und biogenen Anteilen von festen Sekundärbrennstoffen

Combustibles solides de récupération - Rapport portant sur la différence relative entre les fractions biodégradable et biogene des combustibles solides de récupération

Ce document traite de la différence relative entre la fraction biodégradable et la fraction biogène des combustibles solides de récupération, obtenus à partir de déchets non dangereux en vue de la récupération d’énergie et de la question de savoir s’il est nécessaire d’élaborer deux jeux de normes ou un seul concernant la détermination de ces fractions afin de définir la teneur en biomasse des CSR.

Trdno alternativno gorivo-Poročilo o relativni razliki med biorazgradljivim in biogenim deležem TAG

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 28-Feb-2007
• ICS: 75.160.10 - Solid fuels
• Technical Committee: AGO - Refuse derived fuel
• Current Stage: 6060 - National Implementation/Publication (Adopted Project)
• Start Date: 01-Mar-2007
• Due Date: 01-Mar-2007
• Completion Date: 01-Mar-2007
• Mandate: M/325 - Mandate to CEN on Solid Recovered Fuels (SRF)
• Ref Project: CEN/TR 14980:2004 - Solid recovered fuels - Report on relative difference between biodegradable and biogenic fractions of SRF

Overview

The SIST-TP CEN/TR 14980:2007 technical report addresses the crucial distinction between the biodegradable fraction and the biogenic fraction of solid recovered fuels (SRF) derived from non-hazardous waste. Recognized and approved by CEN, this report investigates whether two separate standards are necessary or if a single unified standard suffices for determining these fractions to define the biomass content of SRF.

Solid recovered fuels are increasingly significant in promoting sustainable development through optimized resource utilization and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. By focusing on definitions and test methods related to the biodegradable and biogenic contents in SRF, this document supports consistent classification and regulatory compliance under EU environmental and energy policies.

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Key Topics

Definitions and Terminology

• Biodegradable: Materials capable of undergoing biological decomposition under natural aerobic or anaerobic conditions. It relates to how a material breaks down in the environment.
• Biogenic: Materials produced by living organisms from natural processes, excluding fossilized or fossil-derived substances. It relates to the origin of the material.
• Biomass: Organic material of biological origin excluding fossilized or geological materials. Considered renewable and critical in defining renewable energy sources.

Importance of Clear Definitions

• Distinguishing biodegradable and biogenic fractions is necessary because they describe different material characteristics-one focused on decomposition, the other on origin.
• Definitions comply with EU directives and policy frameworks such as the Landfill Directive and Kyoto Protocol, facilitating harmonization in energy reporting and sustainability assessments.

Test Methods for Determination

• Isotopic analysis (C-14/C-12 ratio): The reference method offers precise biomass quantification but is expensive and time-consuming.
• Selective dissolution and manual sorting: Emerging practical methods provide faster and cost-effective approximations suitable for routine laboratory analysis of SRF biomass content.
• Accuracy depends on minimal occurrence of fossil-based biodegradable plastics, which currently represent an insignificant proportion in SRFs.

Need for Standardization

• The report evaluates whether separate standards for biodegradable and biogenic fractions are warranted or if a single integrated standard can adequately define biomass content in SRF, offering clarity for producers, regulators, and users of solid recovered fuels.

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Applications

• Energy Recovery Sector: Supporting energy plants that utilize SRF by providing clear measurement methods to quantify biomass content, facilitating compliance with renewable energy mandates.
• Waste Management: Enabling better classification and sorting of non-hazardous waste streams based on their biodegradability and biogenic composition to optimize recycling and energy recovery practices.
• Environmental Reporting: Assisting regulators and environmental agencies in greenhouse gas emission accounting by accurately distinguishing renewable biomass fractions from fossil carbon sources.
• Sustainable Development: Enhancing resource efficiency in line with EU policy goals by promoting use of biomass-based fuels that reduce landfill dependency and fossil fuel consumption.

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Related Standards

• CEN/TR 14745:2003 – Report on solid recovered fuels in EU energy policy context.
• CEN/TC 343 – Technical Committee responsible for solid recovered fuels, developing related standards including terminology and test methods.
• Directive 1999/31/EC – Landfill Directive setting definitions of biodegradable waste.
• Directive 2001/77/EC – Promotion of electricity from renewable energy sources, defining biomass.
• Commission Decision 29/01/2004 – Guidelines for monitoring and reporting greenhouse gas emissions, referencing biomass definitions.
• CEN/TC 335 – Solid biofuels terminology and standards for biomass origin definitions.

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By distinguishing and defining biodegradable and biogenic fractions in SRF, the SIST-TP CEN/TR 14980:2007 report promotes accurate, practical, and harmonized standards essential for advancing the use of solid recovered fuels in sustainable energy and waste management frameworks. This foundational work supports environmental compliance, resource efficiency, and the EU’s strategic energy and climate objectives.

Standards Content (Sample)

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-marec-2007
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ELRJHQLPGHOHåHP7$*
Solid recovered fuels - Report on relative difference between biodegradable and biogenic
fractions of SRF
Feste Sekundärbrennstoffe - Bericht über den relativen Unterschied zwischen biologisch
abbaubaren und biogenen Anteilen von festen Sekundärbrennstoffen
Combustibles solides de récupération - Rapport portant sur la différence relative entre
les fractions biodégradable et biogene des combustibles solides de récupération
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: CEN/TR 14980:2004
ICS:
75.160.10 Trda goriva Solid fuels
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

TECHNICAL REPORT
CEN/TR 14980
RAPPORT TECHNIQUE
TECHNISCHER BERICHT
December 2004
ICS 75.160.10
English version
Solid recovered fuels - Report on relative difference between
biodegradable and biogenic fractions of SRF
Feste Sekundärbrennstoffe - Bericht über den relativen
Unterschied zwischen biologisch abbaubaren und biogenen
Anteilen von festen Sekundärbrennstoffen
This Technical Report was approved by CEN on 29 October 2004. It has been drawn up by the Technical Committee CEN/TC 343.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France,
Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia,
Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG
Management Centre: rue de Stassart, 36  B-1050 Brussels
© 2004 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. CEN/TR 14980:2004: E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

Contents Page
Foreword.3
Introduction .4
1 Scope .6
2 Normative references .6
3 Terms and definitions .6
4 Definitions on biodegradable, biogenic and biomass .6
4.1 Biodegradable.6
4.1.1 Preferred definition of biodegradable .6
4.1.2 Other definitions on biodegradable.6
4.2 Biogenic.6
4.3 Biomass .7
4.3.1 Preferred definition of biomass.7
4.3.2 Other definitions on Biomass.7
5 Determination of biodegradable and biogenic fractions of waste .8
5.1 General.8
5.2 Biodegradable fraction.8
5.3 Biogenic fraction.8
5.4 Available test methods.8
5.5 Conclusion on number of test methods needed .9
Bibliography .10

Foreword
This document (CEN/TR 14980:2004) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 343 “Solid
recovered fuels”, the secretariat of which is held by SFS.
This document has been prepared under the Mandate M/325 to CEN on Solid Recovered Fuels [1] to provide
the European Commission with a report on the relative difference between the biodegradable and the biogenic
fraction of waste in order to decide whether there is a need to develop two different standards or only one.
Introduction
In a long term perspective of Sustainable Development, it is crucial to use resources as efficiently as possible.
Natural, as well as financial, resources’ use should be optimised to limit as far as possible the effects on
human health and on environment, while creating wealth more easily accessible to all fractions of the world
population. In a medium term perspective, climate change effects due to greenhouse gas emissions from
human activities should be properly addressed. Shorter term issues such as energy security of supply remain
a permanent concern as well.
Solid Recovered Fuels (SRF) are fuels prepared from non hazardous waste to be utilised for energy recovery
in waste incineration or co-incineration plants regulated under Community environmental legislation [1].

SRFs play an important role in the EU Community energy policy (see CEN/TR 14745:2003 [2]). The cost
benefit analysis has shown that the use of SRF contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gases. The use of
SRFs is particularly important in sparsely populated areas. It also serves a means to meet the targets of the
Landfill Directive [3] by reducing landfilling of biodegradable waste.
Solid Recovered Fuels (SRF), by replacing e.g. fossil fuels and limiting the volumes of waste sent to landfills,
can contribute to increasing resource efficiency. If based on biomass, their use will prevent emissions from
fossil carbon into the atmosphere and decrease correspondingly greenhouse gases emissions from
anthropogenic activities; biomass-based SRF is a source of storable solar energy. The Commission Decision
of 29/01/2004 establishes guidelines for monitoring and reporting of greenhouse gas emissions pursuant to
Directive 2003/87/EC (7).
Due e.g. to the existence of legislative measures in favour of electricity based on renewable resources, there
is a need for clear commonly agreed terminology and test methods for SRF.
To be able to make any decisions on test methods needed for the determination of the biodegradable fraction
and the biogenic fraction of solid recovered fuels it is necessary to have clear definitions on these terms. The
terms biodegradable and biogenic do not mean the same thing. Biodegradable relates to the degradation of a
material, while biogenic relates to its formation and origin.
Definitions in relevant EU directives have been taken into consideration and are listed in Chapter 4
"Definitions on biodegradable, biogenic and biomass". In EU directives 2001/77/EC [4] on the promotion of
electricity produced from renewable energy sources in the internal electricity market (RES-E), biomass is
identified as a renewable energy source and is defined as the “biodegradable fraction of products, waste and
residues from agriculture (including vegetal and animal substances), forestry and related industries, as well as
the biodegradable fraction of industrial and municipal waste”. As this definition concerns only the degrading of
biomass an additional clarification concerning its short-cyclic origin was needed.
The term biogenic is used in the context of the Kyoto protocol.
Requirements on the definitions:
a) The definitions need to be as clear as possible.
b) The definitions need to comply with the difference between short-cyclic organic matter such as wood and
long-cycle carbon based organic matter such as coal and petroleum based plastics. When the

Long C-cycle takes thousands of years to close the loop C back to C (fossilisation).
regeneration of a fuel takes thousands of years it cannot be considered as participating to the short C-
cycle and is therefore no longer short-cycle carbon based .
c) The results of the definitions need to be manageable in practical situations such as laboratory analyses.
In Chapter 4 “Definitions on biodegradable, biogenic and biomass”, definitions for the purpose of this report
are given. With these definitions as a base, different methods of analysis are discussed. To be suitable in
practice a method has to give a good approximation of the biodegradable and/or the biogenic fractions, be
reasonably fast and not too expensive in order to define the biomass content of SRFs.

Short C-cycle take a few years (one to a few hundreds of years) to close the loop (short term renewable resources)
1 Scope
This document considers the relative difference between the biodegradable fraction and the biogenic fraction
of solid recovered fuels prepared from non-hazardous waste for energy recovery and whether there is a need
to develop two sets of standards or only one set for the determination of these fractions in order to define the
biomass content of SRFs.
2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated
references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced
document (including any amendments) applies.
00343001 , Solid recovered fuels – Terminology, definitions and descriptions.
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in 00343001 apply.
4 Definitions on biodegradable, biogenic and biomass
4.1 Biodegradable
4.1.1 Preferred definition of biodegradable
(Material) capable of undergoing biological anaerobic or aerobic decomposition under conditions naturally
occurring in the biosphere
NOTE This definition is in line with the Landfill Directive with the addition of a description of the environment for
decomposition and clearly stating that it is to be a biological activity involved.
4.1.2 Other definitions on biodegradable
Definit
...